a_reader_obsessed's reviews
3106 reviews

Randomize by Andy Weir

Go to review page

challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? No

2.0

Um, I’m not smart enough to understand half of what was written here which  means I can’t fully appreciate this story.  Shame, really.

Currently available on KU or free for Amazon Prime members
Velveteen vs. the Early Adventures by Seanan McGuire

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


Reminiscent of the broad themes seen in X-Men and The Boys, this is a world whereby genetic mutations, radiation, exotic pathogen, or mad science manifests as the odd power that can be utilized for good or evil.  These unique superhumans are supported and technically employed by Super Patriots Inc., a company who claims to have their best interests, and the safety of the public, in mind. 
 
As this collection of short stories run their course, the reader follows intrepid heroine Velma “Velveteen” Martinez, toy animator extraordinaire, who was sold into the machine as a minor and because she didn’t neatly fit into Super Patriot’s agenda, her world was shattered. So, according to her, things are “fucked up times five billion” as Velveteen soon finds out, you’re either with the Super Patriots or you’re against them.  They turn you against loved ones and loved ones against you, isolate you so you have no choice but to rely and depend upon their generosity and resources. They don’t take no for an answer, and they certainly don’t fight fair.  Though Velveteen simply wants to be left alone and lead a normal life, the Super Patriots won’t let her go in peace, and her allies (and some who are not) have other plans for Velveteen instead. 
 
Obviously, don’t let that cute cover fool you.  Though this has moments of fun and whimsy, this is quite the angsty read and a pointed look at corporate greed, child abandonment and abuse, brainwashing, betrayal, and painful love.  Toss in the multiverse, magic, Santa Claus (yes you read that right), and the real manifestations of the seasons, and you have a well rounded, extensive alternate reality where being superhuman just might get you killed. 
 
Rest assured though, this is buoyed by really fantastic friends who make the bestest  found family, and this book is full of hope with a message about doing what’s profoundly difficult but, deep down in your bones, right, all led by a likable (albeit cantankerous) heroine who stands up not only for herself but for many others as well!  
 
I haven’t read much Seanan McGuire, but this is a sign to do more! 
 
Thank you to the author and Subterranean Press via NetGalley for an e-copy to review honestly 
 
 
 

The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene

Go to review page

dark medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I’ve said this before.  I’m not an expert in mysteries or thrillers, and I’m quite often taken by surprise when the answers are revealed or there's twisty turns that come out of nowhere.  Regardless, I’m always curious to find out what really happened and worried about the protagonist's fate but here, that was not the case.

Overall, the main issue for me was that there’s a consistently huge ICK factor that coated everything - the victims and their predators, not to mention the incompetence of law enforcement, and the toxic nature of social media and the journalists who are so very eager to discover the truth no matter what.  I was appalled and disgusted by pretty much every person in this story, and perhaps that was the goal of the author.

I’m obviously not in agreement with the majority who have read this which goes to show just how personal a book can resonate.  Admittedly, this was a quick, easy, page turner of a read.  In broad strokes, the bones of this whodunnit were quite bold but again, I came away from this not feeling good about any aspect of this story - the execution, the characters, or the unsatisfying ending.  I don’t know if that’s a testament to the writing or a testament to the writing.

Ultimately, I wish readers of this all the best and hope my dislikes are what make them love it instead!

Thank you to the author and Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Twisted Shadows by Allie Therin

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Simply put, this second installment basically threw the door wide open and took off running!

The first book definitely took its time setting up the premise, the world building, and the foundation of who and what empaths are. In this alternate reality, empaths are inherent pacifists, putting others before themselves, and avoiding conflict at all costs.  However, with such an ability to read and influence emotions, the potential danger of them using this power for nefarious means has resulted in global initiatives to protect the general populace from being affected. 

Expanding upon the greater machinations behind the institutions who are against empaths, this again explored an X-Men type scenario.  How or should a particular subset of the population be monitored and possibly controlled for the benefit and security of the masses, and when does scientific advancement go too far, crossing the line to infringe upon basic human rights in the name of safety?

Rest assured, this isn’t all existential pondering.  Still caught in the middle is empath Reece who is this close to being corrupted, where he’d use his powers for bad selfish intent instead of good, able to “thrall” anyone to do his bidding.  However, always present is Evan, an empath specialist known as the Dead Man, who’s completely immune to any emotional influence and thus, not vulnerable to empath powers.  Where these two cannot and should not work, where their fundamental biological makeup won’t allow them to normally connect on any level, Therin deftly makes their burgeoning forced companionship succeed quite wonderfully.  

Admittedly, I had my doubts as to how this series could, or would, progress as an MM romance, and all I can say is that this far exceeded my expectations.  Not only is Reece and Evan the perfect complete opposites pair, but their banter was spot on, and their not flirty interactions were smile inducing.  As they both grumpily force themselves to work together because neither has a choice (not that they wanted any other options), they investigate a series of empath disappearances, and what they find is not good at all.

Told in mostly alternating POV, this really lent great fascinating insight into both Reece and Evan. Reece continued to drive me just as crazy as he did in the first book due to his complete lack of self preservation, but his antics were mitigated by the lovely sexy Evan who makes quite the compelling mysterious character. It also doesn’t hurt that the supporting cast was equally intriguing as they all eventually converge for the big reveal. 
 
Again, this was a wonderful follow up to Liar City.  The story propelled me along at a clipped pace, ending on a cliffhanger between Reece and Evan who are both pushed into a corner that they don’t see any way out of.  However, I now have faith in Therin to deliver an alternative to both their immutable paths that supposedly can’t be changed despite everything and everyone saying otherwise.  Sadly, it will be a long wait to get the next installment, but I will be here waiting for the drop as soon as it comes!

Thank you to the author and Carina Adores via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review


And the Sky Bled by S. Hati

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Loveable characters? No

3.0

A debut fantasy full of interesting symbolism that serves as a metaphor to our own real life consumption of natural resources.

This is a world dependent on a rare substance called calor.  For many generations it has spurred advancements in technology, machinery, health and wellness, supporting pretty much every infrastructure of society.  However, mining this substance has resulted in severe scarcity resulting in strife and desperation.  

This is also a world that is divided between the haves and have nots.  Here, the country Gehanna has ruthlessly taken by force other provinces, acquiring their stores of calor under the guise of regulating allocation, but in reality, there's very little left to control.  What remains is a lone city whose sky still sporadically “bleeds” the invaluable calor, who is under close guard and on the brink of insurrection.  At its center are 3 critical players, drawn into a frantic search for a hidden cache that could be the answer to all their problems, each with a deeper desire for forgiveness, revenge, and redemption.

I won’t go into too much more detail so as to not spoil things.  Just know that this is a dark story, complexly tragic with harsh unforgiving truths. Admittedly, I can appreciate the commentary about colonialism, dwindling resources, cutthroat politics, miserable survival, but also not surprisingly in these sorts of stories, the power of hope.  I also readily admit that my ratings are often heavily weighed by the enjoyment factor, and there is very little joy here. That’s on me.  Additionally, this is a slow, so terribly slow, reveal that builds to a painful catharsis for all involved.  One must infer a lot in regards to the world building here, as well as the nuance of what transpired during the oft referenced past event that haunts our protagonists.  Sometimes not fully knowing works for me, greatly spurring reading momentum, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Overall, this story has merit, and I think if one is looking for something different, seeking an unique perspective about the terrible price of overconsumption that can’t be rectified, then this is a great place to start.  It definitely lends an insightful sobering view, but thankfully, leaves one with a promising outlook despite the grim circumstances.

Thank you to the author and Bindery Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Snow & Ink, Vol. 1 by Miyuki Unohana

Go to review page

hopeful mysterious

3.5

An intriguing start about a disgraced heiress who saves a convicted murderer and how they find in each other acceptance, peace, and possibly redemption.

I really liked the theme of this where there’s always two sides to a story and of course, this applies the most to main characters Freya and Neneo.

Toss in an ex-fiance and other family members with possibly dubious intentions, and I look forward to the next installment to find out more!

Thank you to the author and Kodansha Comics via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review 
Inferno's Heir by Tiffany Wang

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Let me preface this first.  I’m all for supporting debut authors and indie presses, and I admire Bindery Books’s interesting platform in doing so. Inferno’s Heir is one of four in their first round of publishing, and I was intrigued by its premise.  

This starts off with beleaguered princess Teia, whose rights are infringed upon by sadist half brother Jura, who will soon take the throne and control every aspect of her life.  To subvert this, she approaches the common folk rebellion who has been mistreated over the years (made far worse with Jura’s influence) and agrees to steal a precious family jewel to prove her loyalty to their cause so she can betray them to win favor with her brother.  Sounds like a wonderful premise for a plot and character driven story with the prospect of action adventure, high risk drama, and the promise of new friendships, budding romance, and a changed-for-the-better Teia, right? Right?

I will say for the most part this delivers on each of these points, but personally for me, the connection of dots was just a bit off. As a warning, Princess Teia is pretty cutthroat.  It’s understandable since she has had no one in her corner for many years, and the hatred her brother directs towards her is immense.  It’s no wonder Teia will do anything for her survival and that unfortunately, shows in the best and worst ways. Also, there’s little we see of the actual rebellion and their leader, focusing on three other characters instead, characters who are just as young, impetuous, and self indulgently idealistic as Teia and one questions, is this the best the rebellion has at their disposal?  Granted, this is YA fiction, so I shouldn’t be surprised that the spotlight is on these underage people, but it just seemed too incongruent for my old brain.

What this has going for it is an interesting world full of conflict and antagonistic countries where I assume will be further expanded upon in the sequel.  The elemental magic too was compelling, and one knows that will feature more heavily as well.  Toss in two heists, an amazingly talented thief who’s for neither side, and a hint of chaste romance, and this will probably appeal very nicely to the overall masses who enjoy a YA magical dystopic fantasy.
  
However, I wanted more emotional stakes, more maturity, and more personal growth for Teia.  Surely, this will be forthcoming in the next book as this technically ends on a cliffhanger.  It remains to be seen if the sequel’s reception will pique my interest enough to check it out.

Thank you to the author and Bindery Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review
How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

A necessary pit stop before the finale!

Last we saw Ada and Rian, Ada had made off with important technology designed to restore Earth to its former pollution-free glory. Thing is, Ada, and the mysterious group who hired her, knows that this tech comes with a very steep price that’s hidden under benevolence and conservation, and those providing said tech have a more sinister agenda based solely on diabolical greed.

To stop such “progress” Ada’s been hired again to steal another very important item at a fancy schmancy charity event hosted by the corrupt mogul himself.  Thing is, Rian, the man she kinda sorta betrayed in Full Speed to a Crash Landing, has been tasked as head of security, and he knows Ada’s coming.

Not as flashy or fast paced as the first installment, I still enjoyed Ada and Rian’s banter and push/pull. As much as their superficial occupations clash, fundamentally they’re on the same page. They both want to save Earth, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy for the other, and it certainly doesn’t mean that time and space apart has cooled their curiosity nor their attraction.

Again, this served to further lay down the foundation for the end game to come, a race between those who want to save Earth the right way and those that are opportunistic no matter the cost of life as long as it puts more money in their already overflowing coffers. My gut feeling tells me the conclusion will be one intense, conflict ridden, action filled adventure (with a more definitive romance), and I’m all for it when it releases next year!

Thank you to the author and DAW via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Admittedly, I have a penchant for anything related to Sherlock Holmes so when the blurb stated such, I was immediately intrigued.

This starts off with Samantha Harker, daughter of the infamous Jonathan and Mina Harker who faced off and killed Dracula, and it’s no surprise that her interests involve all things that go bump in the night, inevitably finding herself as a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. What many don’t know is that she’s also a channel, a touch sensitive to objects associated with monsters, and she has a personal stake in a series of grisly murders plaguing Paris.  When Sam worms her way into being the newest partner of hunter Dr Helena Moriarty, estranged daughter of notorious criminal mastermind of the same name, both must learn to trust each other amidst subterfuge, secrets, and mortal danger.

This is a world full of all the creepy creatures you could want ranging from grindylows to giant snail monsters to shifters, not to mention social inequality and underground terrorists that are intricately tied to the supernatural murders of the French elite that Sam and Helena are investigating.

This had a distinct atmospheric feel to its historic gothic setting along with a hint of sapphic leanings threaded throughout a mystery containing a good amount of gore and horror.  The darkness is not too mired down in the macabre due to the sunshiny outlook of Sam as she pursues her personal mission while trying to figure out if partner Helena is a friend or foe.

Again, I like any association with Sherlock Holmes no matter how remote, and the mashup of other literary characters (Harker, Van Helsing, Moriarty) gave a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (minus the gentlemen) vibe.

Overall, a promising start and should the author continue Sam and Helena’s adventures, I’d be more than willing to go along with them!

Thank you to Bindery Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review


Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Stunning in scope but heavy on all fronts.

Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. 
However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and though that story is an entirely different beast, this was no less impactful.

Here, Sciona is the lone woman to have ever achieved highmage status in a world that thinks very little of a female’s place in anything other than nurturing the home. She is ready to impress, and no one is going to stop her.  When she “jokingly” gets saddled with a janitor for an assistant, what Sciona and Thomil discover in the search for bettering the city of Tiran will change not only themselves, but everyone else’s belief system and their place in the world.  

Be prepared to encounter a bunch of hot topics - misogyny, racism, oppression, prejudice, bigotry, religion, overpopulation and dwindling resources are just to name a few.

It’s best not to discuss too many details so one can be equally affected as Sciona and Thomil were. You will be challenged. You will be struck by an ingeniously complex magic system that relies heavily on religious justification. You will be impressed with a totally original world and its varied peoples that inhabit it and how close it mirrors our own dark history.

Overall, I think if you are a fan of Wang, or if you want to take a chance on something different, this author doesn’t shy away from tough subject matter. Again, so very far from being an easy read, but like The Sword of Kaigen, the truth is devastating and tragic, and there are plenty who will fight with their whole being to maintain the status quo, who will hide behind a system that doesn't want to upset their divine given entitlement, but because of a select few, there is a chance for something better.  This author won’t sugarcoat things nor give you a perfect HEA, and the result is a moving tale that will make you ponder one’s own humanity and question what is just, fair, and kind.  There is triumph, there is the start of change, and most of all, there is hope.

Just like Sciona and Thomil can never unsee or unknow what they find, I too was affected the same way and won’t soon forget.

Thank you to the author and Del Rey via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review